Superfoods: Garlic
This Week’s Featured Superfood: Garlic
TRIVIA
The Fear of garlic is called Alliumphobia
The stronger the aroma, the stronger the benefits
Was an givent to ancient Olympic athletes in Greece as a performance enhancer
Dates back to 2000 BC in China
British Royals never eat garlic out of a concern over bad breath. The chef is to never use it
The juice is used as an adhesive in mending glass and porcelain
For centuries it has been believed that garlic wards of evil, especially werewolves, demons, and vampires
In Buddhist tradition garlic is thought to stimulate sexual and aggressive desires which could disturb meditation
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Garlic promotes endothelial health – This helps keep arteries from getting stiff. The endothelium is an important part of our blood vessels, working ike a pharmacy to our bodies. Just as long as you don’t block it with plaque.
Cardiovascular heath – Increases HDL while lowering LDL, lowers Triglycerides ,lowers blood pressure, and lowers platelet aggregation
Decrease inflammation – Contains a unique suffer compound which reduces inflammation
May improve bone health due to the zinc, manganese, and b6
Reduction in Stomach Cancer – A study in 2014 of the Korean population who consume garlic daily.
Manganese – Benefits bone formation, balance of sex hormones, important in thyroid function, absorption of calcium, metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, helps the immune system, and is important to function of connective tissues.
Fiber – fiber is an important and necessary part of our diet and most of us don’t get enough. Known as roughage or bulk it is the parts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes that our bodies can’t digest. We need both soluble and insoluble fiber to be health. soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes gel like and helps our glucose levels and cholesterol. insoluble fiber helps our digestive system move along and bulks up our stool. fiber helps our bowl movements be regular, lower cholesterol, maintain blood sugar levels, and provide satiety which can help control our weight.
B6 – protects the immune system, helps with PMS, has positive effects on metabolism, and is beneficial towards mental disorders, kidney health, hormone balance, helps adrenal function, helps in the the production of neurotransmitters
Selenium – Our bodies need only trace amounts, but it plays an important role of preventing cellular damage from free radicals and supports a strong immune system.
Summary: While I wouldn’t expect to ward off vampires there are many great reasons to eat garlic! Garlic is an anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anticancer superfood powerhouse and studies are still being done which show it may help protect against Alzheimers too. Keep in mind that the more you cook it the lower the benefits and that for some it can upset the gut. Garlic in large doses can reduce blood clotting so people taking anticoagulants should consult their physician.
RECIPES
How to Roast Garlic – The Kitchn
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Chicken with Scallops – Bon Appetit
Roasted Garlic Soup – Guy Fieri
Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Ina Garten
Wok Fried Shrimp with Garlic – Saveur
A 16 week look at Superfoods
What is a Superfood? A superfood is defined as a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being – Mcmillian Dictionary.
Dr. William Sears, in his book Prime Time Health, describes Superfoods as:
Nutrient Dense
Nutrients that have proven benefits
Made by nature, not a factory
Taste good & satisfying
May be able to be prepared in a variety of ways
Contains no ingredients harmful to health
While we receive vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fats from our foods, some foods have been proven to provide extra health benefits, these foods are the superfoods. They have properties that may be anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-Alzheimer, lower highs, and raise lows in our body.
Let’s be clear, when I say superfood I do not mean magical foods that cure-all, nor do I mean a diet consisting of one food, like the old “Grapefruit Diet”. The truth is, that these foods work best when part of a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet full of variety and by diet I mean lifestyle eating habits, not a short-term solution. Just eat food that rots, but eat it before it does!
Sources
Inflammation Solution By Dr. William Sears copyright 2015
Lisa received her Health Coach Certification from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, founded by world-renowned physician and author, Dr. William Sears. The Institute is a leader in science-based health and wellness education that focuses on the four pillars of health; Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.). A certification by the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is obtained only after completing the extensive course work and meeting all requirements. Once certified, a Health Coach possesses the knowledge, tools and resources to make a positive difference in the health of others.
The information in this blog is educational and not meant to diagnose, treat, or mitigate symptoms.